Netanyahu Gains Traction as Gaza Attacks Intensify in UAE

<p> <b> Stay current with real-time updates: Keep up-to-date here </b> <b> Israel-Gaza </b> </p> <p> Hardly a day after terminating the Gaza truce with intense bombing campaign On the Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has achieved several individual successes that bolster his political standing in the coming months, leading many opponents to believe that he is reigniting the conflict for his personal benefit. </p> <p> In spite of considerable backlash at home, criticism from major partners—though notably absent was the U.S.—and considering the substantial social and economic strain another round of military operations would impose on a nation already drained by over a year of conflict, Mr. Netanyahu affirmed his intention to intensify assaults following Tuesday’s bombing which resulted in more than 400 casualties. Palestinians In one of the most lethal attacks since the beginning of the confrontation. </p> <p> “From now on, Israel "Will intensify actions against Hamas...negotiations will occur solely amidst conflict," he stated, linking his choice to the halted discussions regarding the release of 59 captives, primarily Israelis, from Gaza. </p> <p> Mr. Netanyahu didn’t point out that the operation also enabled him to avoid testifying during his ongoing corruption case, reinstated a prominent far-right politician who leads a crucial faction within the ruling coalition, and deflected public backlash over his efforts to dismiss the head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar—each significant achievements paving the way for him to approve the national budget by month’s end. Should he fail, this could lead to the dissolution of Parliament and trigger fresh elections. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BfVl4" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BfVl4.jpg"/> <p> " numerous Israeli residents pondered the grim query: were the renewed hostilities in Gaza and the breakdown of the truce initiated due to strategic military concerns, or could they be linked to Prime Minister Netanyahu’s personal political survival? " noted commentator Avi Issacharoff in his piece. <i> Yedioth Ahronoth </i> newspaper on Wednesday. </p> <p> The prospect of renewed fighting in Gaza reignited a protest movement calling for the government to prioritise the release of the hostages. The protesters, who say Israeli bombardment and the breakdown of negotiations with Hamas for their release puts the captives' lives in danger, are now also openly accusing the prime minister of advancing his own goals at the expense of the country. </p> <p> On Wednesday, several thousand demonstrators marched down a motorway towards Mr Netanyahu’s official residence in Jerusalem, where they planned to set up a tent camp. Scuffles broke out with police, as protesters tried to break through barriers chanting “democracy” in Hebrew, a refrain from the mass protests against judicial reforms proposed by the government that gripped the country before the war was triggered by Hamas's attack in October 2023. </p> <p> The new demonstrations have attracted leading figures in Israeli security circles. At a rally in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, former Mossad chief Tamir Pardo described the prime minister as “dictator Netanyahu”. </p> <p> “You, the suspect Benjamin Netanyahu, pose a clear and present danger to the nation’s security,” he added, hinting at the years-long corruption trial Mr Netanyahu has been battling. </p> <p> Following his eventual testimony towards the close of the previous year, Mr. Netanyahu has been attempting to postpone his court dates, frequently mentioning security issues as justification. The clashes on Tuesday provided him with precisely what he was looking for. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BfJ3R" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BfJ3R.jpg"/> <p> This move enabled him to bring National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and his political party back into the coalition, even though the attorney general had advised against this action as being legally unsound. Mr. Ben-Gvir, a prominent right-wing figure who has been convicted of terrorism-related offenses, previously exited the coalition due to objections over the truce agreed upon in January. Additionally, he seemed satisfied with efforts aimed at dismissing Mr. Bar. </p> <p> Mr. Ben-Gvir returned to the scene just one day following an accord between the administration and his party, wherein they agreed he wouldn’t cast a ballot against Israel's initial legislation of the forthcoming national budget, thus securing a strong legislative backing for the government. Without his acquiescence, approving the budget could've been extremely difficult due to potential opposition from ultra-Orthodox parties within the alliance who threatened to defy the cabinet should conscription be mandated for youth in their communities—a stance widely frowned upon across Israeli demographics. </p>

Netanyahu Gains Traction as Gaza Attacks Intensify in UAE

Unknown

Stay current with real-time updates: Keep up-to-date here Israel-Gaza Hardly a day after terminating the Gaza truce with intense bombing campaign On the Strip, Israeli Prime Minister B…

Read more »

Qatargate Shocks Israel: Netanyahu Scandal Rocks Political Landscape

<p> An uproar has ensued over Israel , engulfing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu His office following the detention of two close colleagues. </p> <p> It’s alleged that the duo received funds from Qatar with the aim of enhancing the nation's reputation in Israel, which has sparked worries regarding external interference in top-tier governmental positions. </p> <p> The arrests have stunned numerous Israelis, considering Qatar's seen backing. Hamas And due to the absence of official diplomatic ties with Israel, Qatar plays a crucial role as an intermediary in cease-fire discussions between Hamas and Israel, denying accusations of backing the militant organization. </p> <p> Although Prime Minister Netanyahu has submitted a statement to law enforcement, he is not considered a suspect and refutes the accusations as an unfounded effort aimed at toppling his administration. </p> <p> The newest probe contributes to a string of controversies involving Netanyahu, who is presently undergoing a corruption trial and often charges a "shadow government" with plotting against him. Detractors assert that Netanyahu, the country’s most extended serving premier, has eroded key public entities such as the judicial system. Adding fuel to this fire, his recent bid to oust the chief of Israel's internal intelligence service — which is probing potential ties with Qatar — has intensified these worries. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CcGDz" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CcGDz.jpg"/> <p> Labelled "Qatargate" by Israeli press, the inquiry focuses on claims that two senior advisors to Netanyahu – veteran media strategist Jonatan Urich and ex-spokesperson Eli Feldstein – were tasked with orchestrating a PR initiative aimed at enhancing Qatar’s reputation amongst Israelis during its mediation efforts concerning a truce with Hamas. Gaza . The payments were apparently routed through a American lobbyist. </p> <p> Based on a legal filing, the American lobbyist along with Urich established a "professional relationship" aimed at favorably promoting Qatar while disseminating unfavorable statements about Egypt , an additional key figure in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. </p> <p> It is claimed that Feldstein received payment for relaying these messages to reporters. Both he and Urich might be charged with contacting a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, as reported by Israeli news outlets. Apart from potential monetary benefits, the reasons behind their actions remain uncertain. </p> <p> An Israeli journalist involved in the inquiry is Zvika Klein, who serves as the editor-in-chief of the Jerusalem Post, an English-language daily. As reported earlier this week in the same paper, Klein traveled to Qatar last year upon receiving an official invite from their administration and later penned several pieces reflecting on his experiences. One such article detailed Qatar’s stance refuting Israel’s assertion that the country supports extremist organizations. The publication mentioned that despite attempts, they were unable to reach Klein for further remarks; he is presently prohibited from engaging with members of the press. </p> <p> Attorneys representing Urich and Feldstein did not reply to requests seeking their comments. </p> <p> Netanyahu has criticized the investigation as a political lynching and alleged that the police are treating his advisors like "hostages" — phrasing that upset many in Israel since Hamas continues to hold numerous captives within their territory. Gaza following its Oct. 7, 2023, assault that sparked the conflict. </p> <p> On Tuesday, a judge prolonged the detention orders for Urich and Feldstein. The latter faces charges in an unrelated case related to the disclosure of confidential data to a German newspaper. </p> <p> Should these fresh accusations be confirmed, "this constitutes an abuse of power," stated Tomer Naor from the Movement of Quality Government in Israel. He highlighted his concern over how straightforwardly external entities seem to have penetrated the prime minister's close-knit group. Furthermore, according to him, the advisors apparently pushed Qatar-related viewpoints onto reporters with the misleading appearance that such communications originated directly from the prime minister's office. </p> <p> The roughly 18-month-long conflict in Gaza continues unabated following the breakdown of a 42-day truce that Qatar significantly helped establish last month. </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CcLyK" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CcLyK.jpg"/> <p> Among Israelis, this gas-rich emirate is most recognized for starting financial aid to Gaza from 2018 onwards—a move intended to assist impoverished households. However, according to analysts and ex-officials, part of the funds sent under Netanyahu’s approval ended up reaching Hamas' armed faction, aiding them in preparing for the October 7, 2023, assaults. </p> <p> Israelis remain wary of Qatar’s motives due to its status as a base for Hamas’ political leadership, and because its media outlet, Al Jazeera, is viewed by Israel as an extension of Hamas, despite the network refuting these claims. Qatar asserts that it has supplied humanitarian assistance to Gaza in collaboration with the Israeli authorities. </p> <p> When contacted by the Associated Press, a representative from the Qatari government did not explicitly address the claims about connections to Advisers of Netanyahu. The official stated that mediation attempts regarding Gaza will proceed. They chose to remain anonymous in accordance with established guidelines. </p> <p> Previously subjected to a regional blockade due to its supposed connections with Islamist extremist groups and Iran Qatar has strived for a considerable time to be recognized as a prominent figure in the region and as a reliable mediator in resolving conflicts. </p> <p> However, during the conflict in Gaza, numerous individuals in Israel, including Netanyahu, voiced frustration that Qatar was not sufficiently exerting pressure on Hamas to agree to Israel's conditions for a truce. </p> <p> Qatar’s aim in the alleged public-relations campaign in Israel may have been to quell those accusations and make sure they didn’t influence the U.S., with whom it has close security ties, said Yoel Guzansky, a senior researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv think tank. </p> <p> He stated that any attempt to defame Egypt , long-standing mediator between Israel and the Palestinians, might have served as a means for Qatar to enhance its position in the region. </p> <p> Qatar evokes strong feelings in Israel due to its perceived significant support for Hamas prior to their October 7th assault, according to Guzansky. Previously, Netanyahu had authorized the movement of Qatari funds into Gaza as part of an approach aimed at managing Hamas, he elaborated. </p> <p> Qatar deserves disdain. However, we must examine our own actions," he stated. "Not only did we permit, but we also promoted Qatari investment in Gaza. </p> <p> The extent of Netanyahu's knowledge regarding his advisors' suspected misconduct remains unclear. </p> <p> Former assistants who faced legal troubles have become prosecution witnesses against Netanyahu in his corruption trial. Following the arrests of Urich and Feldstein earlier this week, Netanyahu’s questioning for the case came to a halt; however, he was still required to provide a statement to the police regarding the matter. </p> <p> Netanyahu faces significant public scrutiny to take accountability for his part in not averting the Oct. 7 assault, which includes permitting Qataris funds to be transferred to Gaza. </p> <p> Large-scale demonstrations broke out in the past few weeks due to Netanyahu’s choice to terminate the Gaza cease-fire, which had led to the freeing of numerous captives. The protests also stemmed from his attempts to dismiss the leader of Israel's internal intelligence service along with its top legal advisor. </p> <p> Efforts to dismiss Shin Bet head Ronen Bar were underway as the organization conducted its own inquiry into connections with Qatar. This led to claims that Netanyahu aimed to stifle the investigation. </p> <p> Netanyahu has proposed, without substantial proof, that the investigation resulted from an alliance between Bar and the attorney general aimed at preventing the removal of the homeland security chief. The court halted Bar's dismissal until additional hearings take place. Nonetheless, Netanyahu continues to seek a successor for Bar. </p> <p> Since 1986, The Independent has been advocating for what they stand behind, rather than what they're instructed to support, upholding honesty, inclusivity, creativity, and self-reliance as their core values. </p>

Qatargate Shocks Israel: Netanyahu Scandal Rocks Political Landscape

Unknown

An uproar has ensued over Israel , engulfing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu His office following the detention of two close colleagues. It’s alleged that the duo received funds from Qatar wi…

Read more »

Netanyahu: Hamas Leaders Will Be Allowed to Leave Gaza

<p> <strong> The Israeli Prime Minister stated that military actions against Hamas were proving effective, yet he noted signs of fissures appearing within the negotiation process. He further emphasized that Israel would guarantee safety in Gaza to facilitate President Trump’s contentious proposal. </strong> </p> <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BWxAs" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BWxAs.jpg"/> <p> Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Sunday that the ongoing military pressure exerted by Israel on the Palestinian militant organization Hamas in Gaza has been effective. </p> <p> During a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu stated that the organization, which is classified as a terrorist group by Israel, the United States, Germany, and other countries, needs to disarm. </p> <p> The remarks from the Israeli prime minister were made against the backdrop of ongoing mediation attempts by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States aimed at securing a truce in Gaza. These negotiations also seek to ensure the liberation of the remaining captives still being held by Hamas. </p> <p> On Sunday, Israeli strikes on Gaza continued as Muslims celebrated the first day of Eid al-Fitr, killing at least eight in the southern Khan Younis area, including five children. </p> <h3> Netanyahu says negotiations for hostages' release ongoing </h3> <p> Netanyahu denied that Israel was not engaged in negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages held by Hamas since it led attacks on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking 251 people hostage. Israeli officials estimate that of the 59 still in captivity, 24 are alive. </p> <p> "We are negotiating under fire," Netanyahu said, arguing that the negotiation strategy was effective. "We can see cracks beginning to appear" in what the group demanded in its negotiations. </p> <p> Israel has been engaged in air and then ground operations in Gaza with health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave saying over 50,200 Palestinians have been killed since the October 7 attacks. </p> <p> A delicate truce emerged, bringing about several weeks of comparative tranquility in Gaza after more than a year of unrest, along with the liberation of multiple Israeli captives. <span> collapsed on March 18 </span> When Israel restarted its aerial and land assaults on the Palestinian territories. </p> <p> On Saturday, a high-ranking Hamas representative stated that the organization had endorsed a fresh truce proposal presented by intermediaries, calling upon Israel to back this initiative. </p> <p> The Netanyahu's office subsequently verified that they had received the proposition, stating that Israel had presented a counter-proposal "with complete alignment from the U.S." </p> <h3> Netanyahu states Israel will secure Gaza to facilitate Trump's proposal. </h3> <p> Netanyahu additionally stated that Israel would guarantee overall security in Gaza and "facilitate the execution of the Trump plan — the voluntary migration plan." </p> <p> "That is the plan, we do not hide it, we are ready to discuss it at any time," Netanyahu said, adding that "Hamas leaders will be allowed to leave Gaza." </p> <p> The controversial plan was put forth by US President Donald Trump shortly after taking office. It aims to forcibly displace the Palestinians in Gaza to neighboring countries, mostly Egypt and Jordan, and turn the devastated enclave into a US-owned resort. </p> <p> Last week, Israel's Cabinet approved a proposal to establish a new directorate for advancing the "voluntary departure" of Palestinians from Gaza. </p> <p> Trump's plan has been widely rejected, especially by Palestinians and neighboring Arab countries . Egypt has spearheaded a campaign to offer a counterproposal that would see Gaza's reconstruction without its citizens' displacement. </p> <p> Gaza residents say they have no intention of leaving their homeland, while the UN has warned that the US plan could amount to ethnic cleansing and violate international law. </p> <p> rmt/sms (AFP, Reuters) </p>

Netanyahu: Hamas Leaders Will Be Allowed to Leave Gaza

Unknown

The Israeli Prime Minister stated that military actions against Hamas were proving effective, yet he noted signs of fissures appearing within the negotiation process. He further emphasized that I…

Read more »